Staff Writer
NEW SWEDEN — Aside from reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic, the students of the New Sweden School have been learning healthy lifestyles through multiple programs that span all facets of their school day; in recognition of the efforts shown by the faculty and staff, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation — a joint partnership of the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation — has bestowed the Bronze National Recognition Award upon the New Sweden School for their implementation of a health-oriented curriculum and participation in the Healthy School Program.
Among the students excited about the Bronze Award received at the New Sweden School from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which is a joint partnership of the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation — included the first- and second-grade students. Proud participants of the program include, from left, front row: Emma Hixon, Riley Bouchard, Andrew Moomey, Abigail Wimmer and Alex Bouchard. Second row: Bryce Morgan, Walker Clark, David Stokdijk and Vanessa Lopez. Third row: First- and second-grade teacher Katie Stevens, School Health Coordinator Colette Thomson and Principal Gail Maynard.
The New Sweden School has been focused on promoting healthy habits for years, but as strong as their health program was three years ago, it’s even stronger now.
Students participate in physical activity in the classroom, outside of the 135 minutes of P.E. they receive a week; they eat more local foods including what is grown in the school garden; trans fatty oils and corn syrup have been removed from the menu while whole grain items and fresh fruit have been increased and added.
Principal Gail Maynard has been with the New Sweden School for eight years now, and attributes the increased success of the school’s health program to the functionality and teamwork of teachers and staff.
School Health Coordinator Colette Thompson agrees.
“We have a great staff here who are very supportive of every program that is offered to them,” she said, mentioning the fresh fruit and vegetable program, the move and improve program, or utilizing the snowshoes main available through the Perloff Grant the school received, to name a few. “I can’t say enough of how supportive [the staff and faculty] are; they’re positive and they’re willing to give it a try.”
Proper nutrition and exercise is important for students because healthy kids can learn better, which is a familiar concept for School Superintendent John Hedman.
“There’s been research that has show that a healthy child performs better in school, and there’s been research and knowledge on that for 20 to 30 years,” Hedman said. “Joining the Healthy School Program was really based on the fact that we’re only supporting an idea that has always med sense, and it goes beyond just acknowledging properly fed, properly exercised students are going to learn easier and better, it’s been a way to make it happen.”
Not only has it happened, but New Sweden’s efforts to implement the healthy practices are award winning and life changing, particularly since healthy lifestyle lessons aren’t exclusive to the classroom.
Thompson has noticed an increase of students who bring wrapper-less snacks to school and healthier snacks.
“When kids can see that snacks don’t come in plastic, it gives them a different viewpoint of what a healthy quick and easy snack is,” she said.
Principal Maynard also noticed how the fresh fruits and vegetables program has also altered students’ viewpoints. This is the second year that the school has participated in the program that provides staff and students fresh fruits and vegetables two days a week and the program has been well received.
“Some of the children have never even seen a kiwi or tried fresh pineapple; it’s a whole new food for them and they just love it,” Principal Maynard said. “I think it just expands their whole outlook.”
Nearly one in three children and teens in the U.S. is obese or overweight; in response tot eh epidemic, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation established the Healthy Schools program in 2006 to help schools develop and implement policies and practices to promote healthy eating and increased physical activity.
“We know that healthy students learn better,” said Ginny Ehrlich, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “They Healthy Schools Program takes a comprehensive approach to helping schools create healthier environments by working with them to improve access to healthier foods; increase physical activity opportunities before, during and after school; enhance nutrition education; and establish school employee wellness programs. Through these systemic changes, schools are not only teaching their students the academic skills they need to succeed, but healthy habits for life,” she added.
School participating in the Healthy Schools Program are eligible to earn bronze, silver, gold or platinum awards based on their range of healthy eating and physical activity programs and policies.
“I am so proud of our school/community team whose members have worked so well under the direction of School Health Coordinator, Colette Thompson,” Principal Maynard said. “She is a behind-the-scenes catalyst who makes things happen.”
Any school in the U.S. can enroll in the Healthy Schools Program and receive free assistance and support in creating a healthier environment. Additionally, any individual who cares about helping a school in his or her community and helping the community become a healthier place may join the Healthy Schools Network for immediate access to tips and tools to support a healthier school. Additional information can be obtained by visiting HealthierGeneration.org.
